Press Releases

August16,2017

“This week, the President has doubled down on his divisive and bigoted language. The renewed prejudice on display during his deranged press conference is further proof that Trump is morally unqualified for any elected leadership position, much less the position of President.

“There is no debate, white supremacy and racism are abhorrent ideologies. In failing to clearly disavow hate groups that seek to divide our country, the President is emboldening white supremacists and neo-Nazis. The President’s persistent efforts to excuse racist, xenophobic, and violent groups must be condemned loudly and unequivocally.”

August12,2017

"The events that have unfolded today in Charlottesville, VA are incredibly tragic. The vile views espoused by White Supremacist movements must be swiftly and loudly condemned. I firmly believe that individuals have the right to express their thoughts and beliefs, but racism is unacceptable and we must be clear that it will not be tolerated. This is not who we are as a country.

"In this time of incredible frustration and division, we must stand united as a country against bigotry, racism, and intolerance. We can, and will, rise above this. The behavior on display today is reprehensible. Those responsible for the loss of lives must be brought to justice. My thoughts are with those who have been affected and their families."

Renton, WA - Congressman Adam Smith presented Congressional Award Medals to local students at his town hall event in Tukwila on Saturday, August 12, 2017. Rep. Smith released the following statement in advance of the awards ceremony:

August11,2017

“It is a privilege to see young students, like our local Congressional Award Medal recipients, demonstrate personal initiative and a sincere commitment to bettering Puget Sound communities. I look forward to hearing about the accomplishments of these young leaders in the future. Their teachers, mentors, parents, and communities should all be incredibly proud of their accomplishments. It is my hope that by presenting these awards at my town hall, I can celebrate the spirit of community and service, and help to encourage more students across the District to participate in Congressional Awards Program.”

Established in 1979, the Congressional Award is the highest honor Congress bestows upon a youth civilian. In order to receive the award, these young Americans must demonstrate a commitment to voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and exploration.

9th Congressional District 2017Congressional Award Medal Recipients

Bronze

Gabriel Helms

Owen Benda

Silver

Jamin Zheng

Andrew Wittenmyer

Jiayi Wang

Malav Dipankar

Angela Lin*

Gold

Nicholas Grosinger*

Jessica Waller

William Waller

*Denotes students in attendance at the town hall. Students unable to attend will receive their Congressional Award Medals at an alternate date and time.

Washington, D.C. - August 6, 2017 marks the 52nd anniversary of the enactment of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965. In honor of this anniversary, Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement:

August4,2017

“On the 52nd anniversary of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), we celebrate one of our country’s most important civil rights laws. As we remember this landmark legislation, we must also denounce the Supreme Court’s 2013 Shelby County v. Holder ruling. This decision gutted portions of the VRA, allowing states with a history of voter discrimination the autonomy to re-implement discriminatory voting restrictions. In response to the Shelby v. Holder case, I have cosponsored the Voting Rights Advancement Act. This legislation will institute protections to combat voter discrimination across the country, responds to the rise in modern-day voter disenfranchisement, and helps restore the critical protections of the VRA.

“Suppressing voting rights is an outrageous attack on the foundation of democracy. As a member of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, I am committed to safeguarding the fundamental right to vote. Congress has a responsibility to protect this constitutional right, and we must do more to ensure all Americans have their voices heard at the ballot box.”

Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement in opposition to the Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment (RAISE) Act, legislation introduced in the Senate by Senators Tom Cotton and David Perdue and endorsed by President Trump:

August3,2017

“The United States has a proud history built on our founding as a nation of immigrants. Our existing immigration system is in dire need of reform, but the deeply prejudicial RAISE Act the President has endorsed is not the solution. This detestable proposal would slash our legal immigration program in half and keep families apart through dramatically altering our current family-based immigration system to a so-called merit-based program. The bill would also deny asylum to tens of thousands of refugees fleeing dangerous conditions and persecution. The RAISE Act contradicts American values, places the future of our economy at serious risk, and endangers our national security. President Trump’s support for the RAISE Act is based on a dangerous fear of America’s increasing diversity, and illustrates a clear misunderstanding of America’s heritage.

“The incredible diversity and the range of talents that immigrants have brought to the United States defines our country and our history. In the Puget Sound region, in addition to contributing to our community as scientists and innovators, immigrants are the backbone of our thriving service and tourism industries. Washington state is the third largest agricultural exporter in the United States, made possible only by the hard work of immigrants. We should be focused on legislation to fix our broken immigration system in a way that continues to grow our economy, enrich our culture, and reflect our founding principles. I will fight xenophobic proposals like the RAISE Act to ensure they do not become law.”